There have been two recent mountain lion sightings in the northern area of the town of Granby, according to officials from the Colorado Parks and Wildlife (former Division of Wildlife).

“There are good numbers of deer in the Granby Ranch area. Anytime we have deer or antelope in communities, there’s a certain likelihood we have mountain lions,” said Scott Murdoch, district wildlife manager.

But no incidences have resulted from the species’ recent presence near the more populated areas.

Mountain lions evoke both fascination and fear among people, but these sightings should not be cause for great concern, Murdoch said. “People definitely don’t need to freak out about it.”

Mountain lions, like bears, are not very interested in people. Bears are more interested in human trash and treats like birdfeed, and lions are more interested in small animals.

Wildlife officials are reminding residents to be mindful of their small pets and attractants of any wildlife.

House pets could be a target of the mountain lion. “Mountain lions don’t know the difference between your pet and natural prey,” Murdoch said. “Don’t leave pets outside overnight.”

And feeding deer is not only illegal in Colorado, but could attract deer predators close to home, such as the mountain lion.

Although wild animals are not often seen in centers of towns, “Folks need to realize the vast majority of Grand County has a pretty tremendous wildlife resource. It’s not uncommon to see wildlife anywhere in the county,” Murdoch said.

For the most part, bear and lion may be less of a human threat than the area’s ubiquitous and sometimes temperamental moose.

“A lot of people tend to be afraid of bears and mountain lions because they tend to be more predatory in nature,” Murdoch said. “But we usually have more encounters with moose. When people see a bear, they run. When they see a moose, they run toward it to take pictures. People underestimate them.”